[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARKTOWN

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 5, 2017

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I recognize the 100th anniversary of the historic neighborhood of 
Marktown in East Chicago, Indiana. In honor of this special occasion, 
the Marktown Centennial Celebration was held at the Marktown Community 
Center Park on August 19, 2017. Events included a remarkable exhibit, 
``Marktown--The First 100 Years,'' as well as a walking tour of this 
noteworthy community.
   In 1917, Marktown was constructed by Clayton Mark and designed in 
the English Tudor Revival style by renowned architect Howard Van Doren 
Shaw. The neighborhood was built as a planned housing community for the 
people who worked at Mark Manufacturing, one of the first mills along 
Indiana's shoreline. Marktown is largely known for its distinctive 
design in which the cars are parked on the sidewalks and the streets 
are purposed for pedestrian walkways. While only part of the original 
design was built, the community met the needs of the American workforce 
and their families in the Indiana Harbor. The concept of Marktown is 
truly innovative and a shining example of American ingenuity in the 
early part of the 20th century. In 1975, the community was added to the 
National Register of Historic Places, capturing Marktown's historical 
and cultural significance from the industrial growth period in the 
Calumet Region. The importance of the Marktown neighborhood contributes 
to the history and culture of Northwest Indiana and our nation.
   Today, the residents of Marktown, as well as the members of the 
Marktown Preservation Society and its president, Paul Myers, focus 
their efforts upon the preservation of the historic homes in this 
community. The people who live in Marktown today are very proud and 
protective of their neighborhood. Many of the residents descend from 
generations of family members who grew up in Marktown, and they 
continue to fight for the restoration and preservation of this unique 
community.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in honoring and congratulating the historic neighborhood of Marktown 
on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. The Marktown historic 
community is a significant piece of the region's past and will always 
be remembered and admired. The commitment to preservation and the 
unwavering dedication of the Marktown residents and members of the 
Marktown Preservation Society, and Paul Myers are truly admirable, and 
they are worthy of the highest praise.

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